Nar and Phu

  • 16 Days
  • Age 18+
  • Year-round

Nar (also spelled Naar) and Phu are two bae-yuls, Hidden Sanctuaries as described in Tibetan texts. Though they are near the deservedly popular route around Annapurna, these places are like time travel.

Nine days of off-the-beaten track trekking, plus walking in and out along the main trail. There are flights from Hongde airstrip, near Manang, but the service is very erratic. It's best to retrace the trek or continue from Manang over the Thorong La pass to Jomsom and fly from there to Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Day 1

Drive early from Kathmandu to Besisahar. Change there to a high-slung bus and drive to Chamje on a new, scary road.

Day 2

Trek to Bagarchap, following the Marsyangdi Khola river all the way.

Day 3

Bear west, still following the river, and trek to Koto

Day 4

TTurn off the main trail and trek to Singenge Dharamsala

Day 5

To the east is Kanguru, 22000 feet / 6981 meters high. At the confluence with the Phu Khola river, follow a trail high above the Phu Khola north th Kyang.

Day 6

Trek to north to Phu. Watch for blue sheep above you as you go.

Day 7

In Phu for exploration

Day 8

Trek down past Kyang to Junam Goth

Day 9

Trek down to the Phu Khola confluence and cross a new, very high, suspension bridge. Stay in Nar village.

Day 10

In Nar for exploration

Day 11

Trek up and over the Kang La pass and down to Ngawal in a long day

Day 12

Trek down to the main trail at Munje.

Manang is a few hours northwest. From there cross the Thorong La pass to Jomsom in four days and fly out from Jomsom. To retrace to Besisahar and the road, trek a few hours east-southeast to Chame. It's three days to Besisahar, two on foot and one in the bus; then one more day to Kathmandu or Pokhara.